Jalapeño and serrano peppers are very similar looking. However there are some differences regarding flavors and uses. Jalapeño is one of the most (probably the most) popular peppers in the world. They are great for those who love a mild spicy taste. Serrano is spicier than jalapeño. This pepper has been gaining popularity, especially in the United States, where people have been looking for a spicier flavor than jalapeño without being too spicy.

Comparison Board

Serrano

Jalapeño

General description

Serrano is a kind of Mexican pepper. It comes from the same region as poblano peppers, Puebla, Mexico. Its name can be translated as “from the sierra – mountains”.

Jalapeño is one of the most popular kinds of peppers in the U.S (and the world). They are available in most grocery shops. Jalapeños are original from Jalapa, México. Its name can be translated as “from Jalapa (Xalapa)”.

Scientific name

Capsicum annuum cv ‘serrano sinahusia’

Capsicum annuum

Scoville scale

Serrano is ranked as medium in the Scoville scale. It usually has between 10,000 and 23,000 Scoville heat units. So, serranos can be found from mildly hot, to very hot. They are three times hotter than jalapeños.

On the other hand, although jalapeño is also ranked as medium, there is a significant difference between this one and serrano. Jalapeños usually have between 2500 and 8000 Scoville heat units. So their spiciness is completely bearable.

Production

Nowadays, Mexico produces as many as 180,000 tons of serrano peppers.

Given that it is the most popular pepper in the world, its production is rather remarkable. Mexico produces 562,000 tons of jalapeño per year.

What do they look like?

These peppers are offered to sale when they turn green. When ripe, they become red. Both red and green serrano peppers can be eaten. They are slightly bigger and longer than jalapeños.

They are as well sold at its green phase. Jalapeños turn red when ripe. They are about 2 to 3.5 inches long. Usually they are thinner than serranos.

Taste

Serrano peppers actually taste a lot like jalapeño peppers. The difference is that serranos are hotter than jalapeños, so they are a good option if you are looking for added heat.

Jalapeños are ranked as mild-to-moderate in the Scoville scale. They have a nice, spicy taste, which is great to combine with a lot of other ingredients and dishes.